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Solo Representation: One Rider’s Experience
When I arrived there were some counter-protestors staged on the opposite side of the street from where the protestors were going to picket. I greeted them, asked a few questions of them (who they were, who they were with, where were the local LEO’s or the OIC, etc.) and stated my name, the group that I was representing and what my purpose and intentions were for that day of mourning. I spoke with them briefly about the protestors that were scheduled to be there, educated them on the tactics used by the protestors and encouraged them to not engage the protestors in any way.
Once I found the local LEO’s it was easy for me, being a solo representative, to work with them. I treated them with courtesy and respect so the chances of my setting up where I’d be most effective were much greater. Many of the LEO’s were veterans as well and, although they were there to protect the first amendment rights of the protestors, they were also appalled and disgusted with the display of hatred. They hadn’t heard of the Patriot Guard Riders before so I explained what we are about, how we go about it and asked them if they had any questions. I offered my personal information to the OIC but after discussing everything with me, and reading my demeanor, he stated that he wasn’t worried about me, or my intentions, and he didn’t need it.
I was the only target in close proximity to any of the protesters, and they did indeed attempt to rile me with verbal comments. I did not engage any of the protestors either verbally or physically. I simply ignored their attempts to instigate interaction with me, which seemed to aggravate them a bit. Because I was a solo rider I had to focus intently on the church, funeral attendees arrivals and the protestors in my mirrors. If one of them looked like they were so much as taking a deep breath to begin hollering, I goosed the throttle.
Once their allotted protest time was up they packed up their belongings, promptly loaded into their vehicle and left. Only upon seeing them pull away in their vehicle did I shut my motorcycle down. I remained onsite for another 10-15 minutes in case they decided to return.